Contents
Description
Disphyma Australe, also known as Sea Fig or Native Ice Plant, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. It is commonly found in the coastal areas of Australia and New Zealand, where it grows in sandy soils and rocky crevices. The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that store water and help it survive in arid environments. It produces small pink, white, or yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Disphyma |
Appearance
The leaves of Disphyma Australe are cylindrical and up to 3cm long. They are green or grey-green in color and have a waxy coating that helps reduce water loss. The plant grows up to 10cm tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. The flowers are small and star-shaped, and appear in clusters at the tips of the stems.
Care Guide
Disphyma Australe is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy:
- Water: Water the plant sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Fertilization: Disphyma Australe does not require fertilization.
- Soil: The plant thrives in well-draining sandy soil. Avoid soil that is too rich or moist, as this can cause root rot.
- Sunlight: Disphyma Australe prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not flower as well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Disphyma Australe is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
Disphyma Australe is native to the coastal areas of Australia and New Zealand. It grows in sandy soils and rocky crevices, and is often found near the ocean. The plant is adapted to survive in arid environments and is drought-tolerant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Disphyma Australe a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Disphyma Australe is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Disphyma Australe be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Disphyma Australe can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight and is not overwatered.
Q: How often should Disphyma Australe be watered?
A: Disphyma Australe should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Disphyma Australe?
A: Disphyma Australe is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist.
Related Plants
- Disphyma Crassifolium
- Disphyma Incarnatum
- Disphyma Papillatum
- Disphyma Undulatum
References
- “Disphyma Australe.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 15 Sept 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/disphyma-australe.html
- “Disphyma Australe.” PlantNet. Accessed 15 Sept 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Disphyma~australe
- “Disphyma Australe.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed 15 Sept 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=361150
